[un: sprite bulb] voice;

[bearshermark]

[Too nervous to write and worried about probably misspelling Bonaccorso, there's a rare voice message]

I've suddenly been asked to meet with Bonaccorso to speak on behalf of Vannozza's supporters. I can't imagine why, but it isn't as though I can refuse. ..But neither do I really know what to say about her. She hasn't spoken much..

[A pause for silent stressing]

The meeting is in a few hours, so I would be grateful for any guidance.

Comments

void: wei laozu

[weifinder]

He's a leader, he'll want some impression of your thoughts on what he presides over, I assume.

Eleven, what do you think of Taravast? You're not a good liar, stick to truths, and play into deference if you must. "I may be used to my farmer's life, the noise of the city overwhelms," or whatever it is that strikes as true. If you mean to ask him anything, ask what you can do for Taravast, and to the fear beyond outsiders: to protect against the scourge that haunts so many citadels, with the undead and their lords.

[bearshermark]

I like Taravast for the most part. I'm not worried about that part so much. There's a lot I can say to compliment it.

I don't have much of an opinion on Vannozza though, beyond that she seems sensible? That definitely isn't enough. I'm supposed to be communicating general sentiments I think.

[weifinder]

She's less easily ruffled compared to Lord M, yes, and she's an active hunter in a private hunting grounds of her family's, which yes, would be the man you're speaking with. The one were were in, Eleven, with the walking, bodied dead and the rather irate animals.

She's also pointedly unencumbered by specific ties, and she visits to the districts that aren't particularly loved, you know. Our necromantic quarter. Concern for her health might not be poorly placed, if what you're going to tell him is related to her sensibilities versus Lord M's fumbling in the aftermath of familiar political outcries from paid protestors and the poisoning incident. Ask after favour, if there's anything to be done with the esteemed witches, to showcase her strength going forward, and worries that might lie in bed with war.

[bearshermark]

[Mounting dread]

Goddess, I'm not qualified for this. I don't know that the latter half of what you said made any sense at all.

[Only partly because he'd been distracted by another little bit]

Macaluso's protesters were paid to protest? Why? By who- [an aggrieved breath; that part is obvious after a moment's thought, even if it isn't by Vannozza herself. It's simply a level of political scheming he never would have thought of as being a thing]

So, she's well-connected to many parts of the city, and I should express concern for her health solely because she visits the necromantic district?

[weifinder]

It needn't have been her, it was as much to any noble aligned with her, or any wishing to make a point against Lord M. But yes, they were paid. This kind of protesting is part of the local flavour.

Mm, concern for her health because if she is who you support, and she is, you're retained by her, you wish her a long, healthy, successful ruling. As we do for any leader we respect.

[bearshermark]

Of course. But...

[Hold on. Processing some stuff]

I don't know; is that really the sort of concern we should mention? It sounds a bit pointed.

[weifinder]

Pointed is you walking up to say, "I sure hope Lady V doesn't have a head cold or some horrific incurable disease."

( said dryly. )

Stating you wish for her best health and long life in service of her people is being circumspect, but perhaps rude to the dying man speaking with you, should he dislike the reminder of his impending mortality.

un: the blue spirit (voice)

[elfuego]

Ask questions. Powerful people like to talk about themselves, and what they hold power over. Ask him about what Taravast was like when he had just assumed his role, ask him about things he did to improve the lives of his people.

You can find out a lot about what's important to someone that way, and you can use it to make your patron look good by making her seem like her goals and priorities are similar to his.

[bearshermark]

That sounds smart.

[And the first thing he feels like he's understood fully recently]

But.. I don't believe I know enough about Vannozza to say she's qualified in any particular ways. I don't think she's so much as expressed an intended way to rule, even.

[elfuego]

You know that she wants Taravast to continue to thrive like it is if she assumes power, and that's something to go off of. Focus on the prosperity of Taravast and the people in it. People in power are nothing without the thing they have power over, and they know it, outwardly or otherwise.

[bearshermark]

[Breathes]

Okay. That makes sense. And Macaluso wants to change things by marrying from an outside kingdom. I understand that. I think that could be workable.

[elfuego]

Get a feel for his thoughts on outsiders before you try that angle - it's a good one if it works though.

[ Just because he's a terrible crown prince doesn't mean he doesn't know the rules of the game. He just sucks at playing it. ]

[bearshermark]

[Hums agreement, thoughtful]

We're outsiders, but.. if it's true Unhalad's 'brothers' rule many of the other kingdoms, I can understand their hesitance to reach beyond their borders.

un: absterge | how to lan wangji

[downswing]

Speak with slow intent.

Men listen and ask no further.

[bearshermark]

[Now that he has some feeling about this, he's able to respect Wangji's chosen format]

Is that how you do it?

But I don't think I can manage that sort of calm mastery in only a few hours.

[downswing]

Attempt the impossible.

[weifinder]

Be still, my Yunmeng Jiang raised heart.

[downswing]

( Ignore. )

And unlike they of Yunmeng, Eleven. Achieve it not at the expense of others.

[weifinder]

Or with the sanctimony of presuming only those of long ties and bloodlines have the right to claim as they will.

un: dappled pearl of the parted seas [voice]

[beitangmoran]

Interesting that they would ask you, of all people.

I do wonder if maybe the old man might not know what we are really here for, but it might be best not to reveal that unless he clearly signals that he does know.

Be calm and deferent, and do not be afraid to say you do not knwo the answe if asked a too pointed question. It fits with your role anyway. Concerned ingenuity might serve you well.

Although I do think if you are asked about the poisoning, you should reiterate that accusing with no proof sounds unfair.

[bearshermark]

[Of all people. Yeah, he's wondered about that himself]

It's true anyway. I don't really know what's happened with that; last I'd heard were a great deal of accusations with more complex and difficult to follow motives.

But I'll try to stay calm. ..I'm hoping he's asked in the interest of a more forthright conversation.

[beitangmoran]

Do you have an idea of what to answer if you are asked why you support Lady Vannozza?

[bearshermark]

[A nervous fluster]

She's a sensible woman that seeks to uphold the strength of Taravast.

[He doesn't sound terribly sure about that]

[beitangmoran]

Not bad. That's the kind of answer an enriched farmer would give anyway, so it shouldn't cast suspicion on you. Although maybe err on the side of caution and say she 'seems' to be.

[bearshermark]

[Relief]

Seems to be- okay, I can do that.

..Should I be more honest if he knows what we are?